In this Digital Era, everyone generates E-waste but no one is aware of E-waste management. we are surrounded by electronic and electric gadgets which are a part of our lifestyle. Today no one can imagine a day without a smartphone or laptop, because these devices are part of our daily life. A software developer can’t do anything without his laptop or computer. And all gadgets have a life after that we have to replace them. For example, a smartphone design life is two to three years after that we have to replace it with another one. And a laptop has a five to six-year design life period after that we have to replace it or some part of it like the battery and fast-running hard disc etc. These Outdated electronic gadgets or machines are called E-waste. And Proper disposal and Management of this E-waste is called E-waste management.

Do you ever think about these outdated products? How are the get disposed and how much harmful are they?

In this article, we will focus on mainly these topics

1. What is E-waste

E-waste, short for electronic waste, refers to any electronic device or equipment that has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer wanted, and therefore discarded. This can include items such as computers, Laptops, televisions, DVD players, cell phones, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and other household appliances, as well as electronic toys and other consumer products.

Proper recycling and disposal of E-waste are called E-waste management.

2. Types of E-waste

There are many different types of e-waste, including:

1. Computers and peripherals: This includes desktop and laptop computers, keyboards, mice, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and other equipment.
2. Mobile devices: This includes cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices.
3. Entertainment electronics: This includes televisions, gaming consoles, DVD and Blu-ray players, and other entertainment electronics.
4. Household appliances: This includes refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and other household appliances that contain electronic components.
5. Medical equipment: This includes electronic medical devices and equipment, such as X-ray machines, MRI machines, and monitors.
6. Batteries: This includes rechargeable batteries used in electronics such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras.

3. E-waste by India (yearly report)

India is one of the largest producers of e-waste in the world, with estimates suggesting that the country generates over 2 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually. In 2010 1.8 million metric tonnes of e-waste, and In 2019 3.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated by India. This figure is expected to double by 2025, making India one of the fastest-growing e-waste generators.

Here 70% of e-waste is generated by large-size MNCs, PSUs, Banks, and other public authorities and top Metro cities, and the remaining 30% of e-waste by urban and ruler areas.

The majority of e-waste in India comes from the large and rapidly growing middle class, who often replace electronic devices frequently as they upgrade to newer models. In addition, India is also a hub for the recycling and disposal of e-waste from other countries, particularly developed countries in Europe and North America. For reference news can be checked by indianexpress which shows “29 cases of illegal import of e-waste detected since 2019: Centre tells Parliament”.

4. Effects of Improper E-waste Management on Human health and the environment

Here are some of the ways e-waste can impact health and the environment:

1. Human health: When e-waste is not disposed of properly, it can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the environment, which can contaminate soil, air, and water. These chemicals can cause serious health problems for people living in the surrounding areas. For example:

• Lead, mercury, and cadmium can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and liver, high blood pressure low fertility chances, and joint pain.
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used in flame retardants can affect hormone levels, leading to developmental and reproductive problems.
• Phthalates, used in plastics, can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to infertility and other health issues.

2. Environment: E-waste also has a significant impact on the environment. Here are some of the effects:

• Landfills: E-waste often ends up in landfills, where it takes up space and can pollute the surrounding environment. Many electronic devices contain heavy metals and other toxins that can leach into the soil and water.
• Air pollution: When e-waste is burned or incinerated, it can release harmful chemicals into the air. This can cause respiratory problems for people living in the surrounding areas.
• Water pollution: Improperly disposed of e-waste can contaminate water sources, such as rivers and streams, with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. This can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for drinking or recreation.

5. Challenges for E-waste Management in India

E-waste management in India is an informal sector. In India, poor people and mostly their children collect e-waste which here called by the name “Kabaadiwala”. They work for just a living and have no technical knowledge, so the thing that they can resell like metal they extract in one bundle and plastic in another, and some others remain dumped in a landfill or fires without any knowledge of the environment or soil pollution. In absence of proper guidelines and regulation authority, this E-waste management problem occurs.

Due to the lack of proper awareness and education in India, there is no proper E-waste management. whereas in other developed countries consumers voluntarily donate useless electrical and electronic equipment at formal e-waste recycling centers.

In India, consumers sell e-waste to kabaadiwala whereas in advanced countries consumers have to pay for the proper disposal of the e-waste they generated.

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6. E-waste Management Methods

By providing proper awareness and education we can reduce E-waste and for recycling purposes, we have to use advanced machinery and methods.

A regulation authority for e-waste management should be responsible for proper disposal rules and regulations. And if required some fines or penalties should be imposed for it.

Now we further point out some methods that are used in other advanced countries for the disposal of E-waste.

1. Collection of E-waste at a center or storage house.
2. Segregate E-waste by type of E-waste.
   • laptop
   • Smartphone
   • Refrigerator
   • Television
3. Dismantle one by one by a trained technical person.
4. Separate parts
   • Reusable like Hard disc, Ram, etc. ( after erasing data which will be ready for resell)
   • Repairable parts (smartphone after refurbished will be ready to resell)
   • Metallic parts, Plastic Parts for recycling.
5. Remain parts that can be recycled like plastic should be sent for further processing.
6. other no used parts should be landfill, by choosing a proper landfill location.

7. Conclusion

E-waste management is a great challenge for India in the upcoming years. In urban and rural areas e-waste development is almost 30% but 70% of e-waste is developed by large size companies and public authorities. E-waste is going to be harmful to public health as well as the environment So, regulation authorities should be regulated E-waste and in place of kabadiwala they have to use advanced disposal techniques. And e-waste should be avoided to direct landfill or burn.

“Education and Awareness Can beat Any problem”.